I would much prefer Locateli to start over Montolivo, especially considering it’s Kessie out of the team. Locatelli gives us energy in the midfield where Montolivo is more similar to Biglia. Montolivo would be the better option if Biglia isn’t playing.

Abate should be no where near the starting 11, he is okay as a late sub for fresh legs in defence but over the course of 90 mins he really lacks concentration these days. Rodriguez on the left and Calabria on the right please. Calabria is much more comfortable on the right when in possession.

I would much prefer Locateli to start over Montolivo, especially considering it’s Kessie out of the team. Locatelli gives us energy in the midfield where Montolivo is more similar to Biglia. Montolivo would be the better option if Biglia isn’t playing.

Abate should be no where near the starting 11, he is okay as a late sub for fresh legs in defence but over the course of 90 mins he really lacks concentration these days. Rodriguez on the left and Calabria on the right please. Calabria is much more comfortable on the right when in possession.

It’d be nice to see Cutrone get on the score sheet again too.

Locatelli is a DM who can join the attack but I can´t recall a good match of Locatelli as CM while Monto is quite comfortable there.
I´d personally rest Biglia, play Locatelli at DM and Monto at CM.

Monto plays a good game once in a blue moon, we really shouldn't rely on him. This is a though test against a direct competitor for EL places, we shouldn't rest anybody.

Monto is good this season and still a better player than Locatelli who is the biggest risk out of our DMs.

Biglia needs to be in good shape to perform so it depends on fatigue from the mid-week game if he should start or not.
I have no doubt that Gattuso will make the right decision and evaluate each players level of fitness.